IX. Platform Strategy — When to Jump vs When to Hold
If you are returning to the game or just starting, understand that 1.8.6 fundamentally changed how you develop games. In older versions, you researched a specific engine (e.g., "Game Dev Tycoon Engine 2") and bought it. game dev tycoon 1.8.6 guide
: Never stop training your staff or yourself. As you grow, specialize employees in specific areas (like Graphics or AI) to handle AAA titles which require specialized staff. Avoiding Penalties : Never stop training your staff or yourself
During development, move the sliders to prioritize the right elements. A common mistake is trying to max out everything; instead, focus on these ratios: Phase 1 (Engine/Gameplay/Story) Phase 2 (Dialog/Level/AI) Phase 3 (World/Graphic/Sound) Engine (+++) Gameplay (++) Level (+++) AI (++) Graphics (+++) Sound (++) Story (+++) Gameplay (++) AI (+++) Dialog (++) World (+++) Graphics (++) Engine (+++) Gameplay (++) AI (+++) Level (++) Graphics (++) Sound (++) Engine (++) Gameplay (+++) AI (+++) Level (++) Sound (++) Graphics (++) (+++ = 100%, ++ = 80%, - = 0-20%) 4. Advanced Tips for 1.8.6 The "Sequel" Rule: A common mistake is trying to max out
Survive until you can afford the Hardware Lab.
: Train staff after every game release. Focus on their lowest stat first to keep them balanced until you're ready for deep specialization. 3. Master the Development Sliders